Kyrgios ‘devastated’ after US Open quarterfinal defeat

A disconsolate Nick Kyrgios says he feels he has “let so many people down” after losing his US Open men’s quarterfinal to Karen Khachanov in five sets.

With a semifinal berth at stake, Kyrgios seemed to lack the energy he displayed when he defeated world number one and defending champion Daniil Medvedev in the fourth round two days ago.

He effectively played catch-up for much of the match against Khachanov, with the Russian winning 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 in three hours and 39 minutes.

Kyrgios’s frustration was clear to see immediately after the match, with the Australian smashing two of his racquets on the court in front of a stunned Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.

Kyrgios vented his frustration following the conclusion of the match.(Getty Images/Quality Sport Images: Diego Souto)

“I’m obviously devastated,” Kyrgios later told his post-match media conference.

“But all credit to Karen. He’s a fighter. He’s a warrior. I thought he served really good today. Honestly, he’s probably the best server I played this tournament, the way he was hitting his spots under pressure.

“He just played the big points well. There really wasn’t anything in it. I’m just devastated, obviously. I just feel like it was either winning it all or nothing at all, to be honest.

“I feel like I’ve just failed at this event right now. That’s what it feels like.”

Despite achieving his best US Open result, Kyrgios said he wasted a golden opportunity to win his first major singles title.

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